Five college football games to watch in Week 3

September 14, 2011|By Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel

No. 21 Auburn at Clemson, Noon, ABC

Buzz: If the first two games are any indication of what the season is going to be like, Auburn fans are going to need watch games with a defibrillator by their sides. Back-to-back weeks of last-second heroics against Utah State and Mississippi State have the Tigers set for just about anything. They will need it as Auburn travels to Clemson for a rematch of last season’s thrilling 27-24 overtime win. Both of these squads rank near the bottom of the nation in total defense so points could be aplenty.

Tennessee at No. 16 Florida, 3:30 p.m., CBS

Buzz: With all of the talk surrounding the Florida program focusing on the offense, it’s been the defense that has stepped to the forefront. Ranked sixth in the nation and 1st in the SEC in total defense, the Gators have had their way, albeit against cupcakes so far. That changes this week as Tennessee comes to town to open SEC play. The Vols are led by QB Tyler Bray, who leads the league in total offense (342.0 ypg) and passing efficiency (204.2).

No. 17 Ohio State at Miami, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Buzz: What do you think the over/under will be for number of NCAA investigators in attendance for this game? Off the field issues aside, this is a game that could provide a big boost, especially for Miami. The Hurricanes will have five players back from the eight that were suspended for the opener against Maryland including quarterback Jacory Harris, who will start on Saturday. Ohio State looked shaky last weekend against Toledo, holding on for a 27-22 victory.

No. 1 Oklahoma at No. 5 Florida State, 8 p.m., ABC

Buzz: For the second time in three weeks, fans are treated to a match-up between two teams ranked in the top five. Florida State fans have had this one circled on their calendars from the moment it was announced. Talk of the Seminoles becoming relevant again in the national college landscape really hinge on this Week 3 game but it won’t be easy. The Sooners have won five of the last six meetings including last year’s 47-17 rout in Norman.

No. 6 Stanford at Arizona, 10:30 p.m., ESPN

Buzz: Andrew Luck must have been salivating when he saw what Oklahoma State and quarterback Brandon Weeden did to Arizona’s defense last week. The Wildcats were torched for 594 yards of total offense including 397 yards of passing. Arizona QB Nick Foles leads the nation in passing yards per game (405) and is third in the country in total offense (446.0 ypg) but he will go up against another top defense in Stanford which ranks first the Pac-12 in total defense (286.0 ypg).